Vedantic Satsang (Study Group)
“Scriptures are not mere books for intellectual studies. We must learn to assimilate these ideas and come to live them.” –
“Mere listening will not add to your inner beauty. These ideas are to be reflected upon deeply and digested slowly. This process is hastened only when you discuss what you have studied with others. Spiritual study Groups constitute the heart of our Mission. The ideas, when discussed with others, not only become deeply rooted in you, but as they become clearer in your own understanding, they also inspire those who listen to you. Thus, each student, while trying to strengthen his own understanding, can become an instrument for the spread of this knowledge. This process is the dynamic study scheme followed in the Vedantic tradition. This is not a Chinmaya methodology; it is the most ancient Vedantic tradition of study.”-Swami Chinmayananda
The Chinmaya Movement emerged, grew, and expanded into a worldwide spiritual organization of Vedantic teachings based on the strength of its Vedantic Study Groups. Vedantic Study Groups began through the enthusiasm of the thousands who attended Swami Chinmayananda’s talks and yajnas, and felt the need to continue regular scriptural studies.
To sustain the inspiration of these sincere seekers, Swami Chinmayananda formulated and began Chinmaya Vedantic Study Groups with a systematic syllabus that took into careful consideration the spare time of the average householder, a student’s typical attention span, and the appropriate level and order of texts to be studied. The course of study was designed so that even a beginner in scriptural studies could follow the curriculum without feeling overwhelmed. However, self study, regularity and sincere participation in the study groups are the important keys for success of Vedantic Study Groups.
The most important follow up measure of the Gnana Yagnas is the Vedantic Study Group program. The basic concept of the Study Group is to study the scriptures by those who have curiosity/thirst to benefit from the perennial wisdom of the Rishis.
A group of 10 to 15 like minded people get together regularly, at a place, time and day mutually agreed upon for 90 minutes a week for a systematic study of the scriptural texts prescribed in the Vedanticv Study Group Scheme by Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda after testing its validity over several years.
What is read or heard, in order to take root, must be thought over (tat chintanam). The test of clear thinking is in the ability to express our thoughts clearly (tat kathanam). Again, whether our understanding is right and proper, is brought out in the rational and mutual discussion of the Vedantic Study Group members (anyonya prabodhanam). Thus, to the sincere and diligent student, the Study Group technique provides an opportunity and a forum for gaining a deep and clear perspective of our scriptures. The forum, in the Satsang atmosphere, also fosters and develops brotherly understanding amongst the members and strengthens the “One Family” concept.
Each Vedantic Study Group member will be allotted a portion in the text. During the subsequent class the Sevak would summarize briefly the proceedings of the last class and request the allotted member to offer his contributions. After the member has finished his contributions/raised questions, the Sevak would request other members for their supplementary contributions on the topic under discussion as also answers to questions raised. Repetition of stanzas and word meanings given in the text under study is essential to become familiar with Sanskrit verses. After the contributions are over, the Sevak, as a member of the class could also make his contributions. Repetitions are to be avoided. After the 90 minutes of class time, the Sevak should punctually close the class with the recitation of the Pledge by all and quietly disperse with “Hari Om”. By following the procedure with sincerity and enthusiasm, members would get the cream of wisdom of the text under study by the technique of cooperative thinking.
Chinmaya Mission – Beaumont (Chinmaya Shripati) conducts a Vedantic Study Group on every Sunday from 10:00 to 12:15, studying two texts. Anyone interested may contact Sri. Subrah Cheruvu @ 409 860 5987 or Sri KCK Reddy @ 409 729 3945 or send e-mail to [email protected]
At present we are studying and discussing the following texts: